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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Make a Paper Terrarium or Curatorium - DIY Instructions

It’s been very pleasing to see beautiful angular terrariums in so
many places lately. The vibrant geometric shape softened by the fresh
green leaves of the resident plants makes a great decor item.A paper terrarium is an innovative variation of the original –
lighter, recyclable, and easy to make at home. It can store small
potted plants, plant material in tiny (glass salt-cellar) vases and as a
display case for other collections.

By the way – Do you know the origin of the terrarium? Like many other intriguing items, it was discovered by mistake.
In 1829 – a doctor Nathaniela Bagshaw (What a lovely middle name) Ward
had a medical practice in London. He loved to grow plants in his back
yard, but they struggled because of the pollution. Not only did he love
plants, but he enjoyed insects too. One day he put a chrysalis in a
bottle with some soil in order to observe it. To his surprise he noticed
some plants starting to grow and thrive in the glass jar. Protected
from the toxic environments, they thrived for years.
So he began to manufacture glass cases. They were named after him and
known as Wardian Cases. During the Victorian era they became very
ornate.

Display container names:Terrarium – holds earth and plants,Aquarium – holds water and water animals,Vivarium – holds snakes.Curatorium – The name I gave to this paper creation. A place or a 3D frame for keeping carefully curated items or collections.
(A traditional curator works with artwork, collectibles, historic items
or scientific collections. The Curatorium can house special items or
sentimental collections)

You will Need:An A3 sheet of paper (120gsm)ScissorsBull dog clips to keep the pattern in place while cuttingA cutting blade (optional)A knitting needle or bone folderGlueRuler

Instructions for the Curatorium Paper (Terrarium):

1. Print out the pattern and cut it out. Join the sections of the pattern, matching the triangles
2. Place the pattern on cardboard.
3. Cut out on the outside lines, using bulldog clips to secure the pattern in place while you cut.
4. Keeping the template in place, score the fold lines. Use a blunt pointed object (knitting needle or the back of a knife.
5. With the template still in place, fold all the fold lines.
6. Remove the template. Re-fold the lines crisply.
7. Use the triangular window template to mark the window cut-outs. The
template should be centred in each panel, and positioned about 2 cm up
from the base line.
8. Cut out the window with a craft knife or with scissors, by gently
poking the scissors into the centre of the area to be cut-out, and then
proceeding along the cut lines.
9. Place wood glue on the lower tabs, and glue underneath the base.
10. At this point, insert a button and thread if you would like to hang it.
11. Glue the final side tab into place.12. Fill with delightfully curated items

Love to live everyday life in an artisanal way.Intrigued by ideas, how-tos, the creative process and seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Single-origin coffee drinker, Durban-dweller, South African-born ENFP.